Dynamic Epoch Timing

⚠️ NOTE: Tests 7.2 and 7.3 require the system to be in warning state, which is part of the circuit breaker testing window. Run these tests during the announced 24-hour circuit breaker testing window — see Category 6 for details.

Background - Dynamic Epoch Timing:

The BME module adjusts epoch timing based on the mint status:

• Healthy: Epochs run at minimum interval (e.g., every 10 blocks / ~1 minute)
• Warning: Epoch interval increases (backoff) to slow down settlements
• Halt: Epochs continue but with extended intervals

This mechanism helps protect the system during stress by reducing settlement frequency.

Relevant BME Params:

akash query bme params

Look for: min_epoch_blocks, epoch_blocks_backoff

Test 7.1: Normal Epoch Timing

Objective: Verify epochs run at minimum interval during healthy operation

User Actions:

1. Confirm system is healthy:

   akash query bme status

   Verify: status: mint_status_healthy

2. Query BME params to note minimum epoch blocks:

   akash query bme params

   Note the min_epoch_blocks value (e.g., 10 blocks)

3. Submit a mint-act request:

   akash tx bme mint-act 50000000uakt --from <wallet> -y

4. Monitor vault-state changes to observe epoch processing:

   # Check immediately
   akash query bme vault-state
   
   # Wait ~1 minute (10 blocks × 6 sec/block)
   sleep 60
   
   # Check again - should show ACT minted
   akash query bme vault-state
   akash query bank balances <wallet>

Expected Results:

• Epoch processes within ~1 minute (minimum interval)
• ACT appears in balance after epoch completes
• No unusual delays during healthy operation

Proof to Submit:

• BME status showing mint_status_healthy
• BME params showing min_epoch_blocks
• Pre/post vault-state showing epoch processed within expected time

Test 7.2: Epoch Backoff During Warning

Objective: Verify epoch interval increases when system enters warning state

Precondition: Run during the announced circuit breaker testing window when system is in warning state.

User Actions:

1. Wait for oracle price adjustment to trigger warning state (CR between 0.90 and 0.95)

2. Verify warning state:

   akash query bme status

   Confirm: status: mint_status_warning

3. Query current epoch timing from status:

   akash query bme status

   Note any epoch-related fields (e.g., epoch_height_diff)

4. Submit a mint-act request (if still allowed):

   akash tx bme mint-act 25000000uakt --from <wallet> -y

5. Monitor how long epoch takes to process:

   # Check immediately
   akash query bme vault-state
   
   # Wait longer than normal (~2-3 minutes or more)
   sleep 120
   
   # Check for processing
   akash query bme vault-state
   akash query bank balances <wallet>

Expected Results:

• Epoch takes longer than during healthy operation
• epoch_blocks_backoff parameter influences the delay
• Settlements slow down to reduce system stress
• Operations still complete, just with longer intervals

Proof to Submit:

• BME status showing mint_status_warning
• Timestamps showing epoch processing took longer than normal (~2+ minutes vs ~1 minute)

Test 7.3: Epoch Timing Recovery

Objective: Verify epoch timing returns to normal when system recovers to healthy

Precondition: System is currently in warning state with extended epoch timing.

User Actions:

1. Confirm system is in warning state:

   akash query bme status

2. Wait for oracle price to be restored to healthy levels (CR > 0.95)

3. Verify recovery to healthy state:

   akash query bme status

   Confirm: status: mint_status_healthy

4. Submit a mint-act request:

   akash tx bme mint-act 25000000uakt --from <wallet> -y

5. Monitor epoch timing — should return to normal:

   # Check immediately
   akash query bme vault-state
   
   # Wait ~1 minute (normal timing)
   sleep 60
   
   # Should be processed
   akash query bme vault-state
   akash query bank balances <wallet>

Expected Results:

• Status returns to mint_status_healthy
• Epoch interval returns to minimum (min_epoch_blocks)
• Processing time back to ~1 minute
• No lingering effects from warning state

Proof to Submit:

• BME status showing recovery to mint_status_healthy
• Timestamps showing epoch processing returned to normal (~1 minute)